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The European Union on Wednesday raided pharmaceutical companies in several countries as part of an investigation into potential efforts by drug makers to prevent generic or competing drugs from reaching markets, the Wall Street Journal reports (Forelle/Whalen, Wall Street Journal, 1/17). Officials from AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi-Aventis and Wyeth confirmed that they were contacted by regulators and said they are cooperating with the investigations. Neelie Kroes, the European competition commissioner, said the European Union was working closely with U.S. officials, adding, “We’re not the only one active in this.” According to the commission, “Fewer new pharmaceuticals are being brought to the market and the entry of generic pharmaceuticals sometimes seems to be delayed.